The Swiss manufacturer Ensis is starting the new season with a completely new foil line, needless to say that team rider Balz Müller had a big hand in the development. You can find out here whether the result will also satisfy normal wing foilers.
On land
The Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE Foil is, according to the manufacturer, "Fast, fun and agile" and is aimed at wingfoilers with previous experience. It has a medium aspect ratio of 7.5 and is available in five sizes - 690/840/990/1140 and 1390 cm2. We were able to test ride the medium size with 990 front wing extensively.
The Maniac Infinity ACE is in the premium segment, and the workmanship of the carbon fibre fuselage is at the absolute top level. The front wing and the front part of the fuselage consist of one piece, so the front wing does not need to be screwed on separately. The front and rear parts of the fuselage are connected by a small screw so that the mast can be removed for transport without everything falling apart. However, both parts of the fuselage are then finally screwed together when the carbon mast is fitted using the thick M8 bolts; the total length of the fuselage (rear edge of fuselage to front edge of front wing) is then 71 centimetres. In general, the foil impresses with its low weight and very high fitting accuracy. The scope of delivery includes a matching bag and covers for the wing and mast as well as the appropriate tools. The set is also available with an aluminium mast, which means a price saving of almost 600 euros.
On the water
On the water, the Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE Foil impresses with a pleasingly harmonious take-off for this size. When pumping up, it comes out of the water very predictably and shows controlled flight behaviour in the air. If you push really hard, you won't get the speedometer needle to spin completely, but the bottom line is that the foil definitely impresses with its high top speed, which - and this is at least as important - is comparatively easy to tease out. Even when fully powered up, the Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE Foil shows a pleasingly low tendency to climb uncontrollably.
The turning ability of the foil turned out to be great during the tests. Even with little pressure, smooth and tight radii can be initiated - whether in manoeuvres such as foil 360s or when riding swell waves. On knee-high, unpressurised swells, you might even want a little more glide, but as soon as the waves are waist-high and at least a little steeper, the foil unleashes its full potential and enables cleanly carved, tight turns. However, the high level of agility also requires a certain amount of riding skill - if you put a bit of rough pressure on the edge, you risk a (too) tight hook. So is the lively Maniac Infinity ACE difficult to ride? No, not at all! Because even though it undoubtedly implements steering impulses very nimbly, it also has characteristics that make life easy: It is remarkable how quickly it recovers after small stalls. Even if you bring the foil too close to the surface, it doesn't sink completely but immediately builds up flow and pressure again. The Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE Foil is also great fun for freestyling because it generates a lot of speed and can be catapulted into the air light-footedly and with good pop. The low weight also has a positive effect in the air and during rotations.
Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE - the conclusion
The Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE Foil convinces with easy takeoff behaviour, good top speed and above all the best manoeuvring and turning characteristics. For mini-thinning, there are certainly models with even more glide (here are tests of the Duotone Glide and the Axis ART Pro), but as soon as the wave offers some thrust, the foil is fully in its element. The model is also highly recommended for sporty freeriding and especially for freestyling. Only foil beginners will want a foil with a little more directional stability. The features and fit are excellent.
Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE - technical data
- Test product: Ensis Maniac Infinity ACE 990
- Front wing area: 990 cm2
- Wingspan front wing: 86 cm (aspect ratio 7.5)
- Back wing area: 190 cm2
- Wingspan back wing: 36 cm
- Fuselage (carbon): 39.5 cm (total 71 cm)
- Mast (carbon): 85 cm
- Test set price: 2582 Euro
- Weight set (own measurement): 3.37 kg
- Scope of delivery: bag, cover, tool
- Special features: Also available with aluminium mast for 1938 euros
